Do Aerometrics need to be converted?

[jchch1950]

The Parker 51 MK III was made for a few years(1969-72). They used a converter cartridge, and I think they are useful for travel. I have been looking for one without success. But, understandably, some people want to have one that can use cartridges and do adaptations by themselves, not everyone collects pens and wants them in original condition.

[es9]

The aerometric filler is one of the most reliable, bullet-proof filling systems of all time. I consider it the all around best. Every once in a while, you come across a 51 aero with a problem—corroded breather tube, collapsing sac nipple, etc. But many just need a thorough flush. 
 

I understand why someone would want to try to turn one into a C/C pen. Because most modern pens are C/C, it’s assumed that’s the best system. There also could be a little bit of convenience benefit. But I would take an aero over a C/C until the cows come home. It’s not just about “if it ain’t broke, why fix it?” It’s  really more a question of “if it’s the epitome of dependability, why change anything?” 

[InkReservoir]

  On 3/30/2025 at 2:13 PM, es9 said:

The aerometric filler is one of the most reliable, bullet-proof filling systems of all time

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I agree which is why I made this post. I have a few that are 50-60 years old and there’s not a single problem with it… well other than a few surface scratches. 
 

I love the Aerometric system, even more than that Vacumatic id go as far as saying. Older ones just have this magic to them that I can’t quite put my finger on.

[VacNut]

  On 3/30/2025 at 10:42 AM, jchch1950 said:

The Parker 51 MK III was made for a few years(1969-72). They used a converter cartridge, and I think they are useful for travel. I have been looking for one without success. But, understandably, some people want to have one that can use cartridges and do adaptations by themselves, not everyone collects pens and wants them in original condition.

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It is the prerogative of every pen owner to adjust their pens to their own needs. 
Please don’t feel intimidated or offended. 
We can do many things in many other ways during these modern times. The question of “could” vs “should” is one’s own decision.

[Mercian]

  On 3/30/2025 at 10:42 AM, jchch1950 said:

The Parker 51 MK III was made for a few years(1969-72). They used a converter cartridge

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I'd always thought that the 'Mark III' "51" was the name that was given to the version of the "51" pen whose body was made out of polystyrene (rather than Lucite), and had the 'flat' end to its barrel. But that it still had the 'aerometric' filler.

 

Indeed, I found a few for sale on eBay just today. E.g.s:

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/116507008410?_skw=parker+51+mkiii

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/276869031483?_skw=parker+51+mkiii

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/187080481705?_skw=parker+51+mkiii

 

Have you also seen c/c-filler MkIII's?

 

Although I personally favour the 1950s aerometrics for the robustness of their Lucite bodies (rather than the polystyrene bodies on the 1970s pens), the existence of c/c MkIIIs would be useful to know about.

 

 

[VacNut]

There is an interesting article about polystyrene 51s in the Pennant.

[inkstainedruth]

  On 3/30/2025 at 12:24 AM, InkReservoir said:

And I’m betting it was in flawless condition as well right? 
 

I really need to check out more estate sales, I’m sleeping on some gem finds it would seem! 

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Well it wasn't cracked, if that's what you mean (since apparently 41s were made out the same lower-grade plastics as the student-grade 21s -- which is what I originally thought it was).  And of course it wasn't one of the "rarer" colors and doesn't have one of the fancy enameled caps or anything like that.  I don't use it much, but it is a nice writer (I think it's got a medium nib on it).

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

 

ETA: I don't know where you live but around here (SW PA) there's a website that lists weekly estate sales, and I've learned to scope out the listings (and, whenever possible, the photos) -- but the "family run" ones don't generally tend to have photos.  And one of the greater Pittsburgh area estate sale companies NEVER puts up photos: I was in line a few years ago for a sale one Saturday and a woman further up in line worked for that company and she told everyone in line that her boss was of the opinion that you were supposed to "experience the ambiance of the sale".   But of course that only really works if it's the ONLY sale on any given weekend -- because if I'm going to have to get up as 0 dark 30 on a Saturday morning *just* to drive to someplace up to an hour away, and then stand in line for ANOTHER hour to get there before the "dealers" and "pickers"?  It had better be worth my time!  (About the only thing I've ever gotten at any of that company's-run estate sales was the great wheel and it was just a fluke that it caught my eye in the paragraph after paragraph of listings -- at least that company DOES do comprehensive listings....)

 

[IThinkIHaveAProblem]

re CC "51"s, Richard has a short blurb on this page:

http://www.richardspens.com/ref/profiles/51.htm

 

 

[jchch1950]

  On 3/31/2025 at 12:00 AM, IThinkIHaveAProblem said:

re CC "51"s, Richard has a short blurb on this page:

http://www.richardspens.com/ref/profiles/51.htm

 

 

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The text clarifies that the question of the Parker 51 III is quite useful. Thank you for posting the reference.